Alexander Yonchev

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Alexander Yonchev ("AY") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

AY : I graduated from the École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Saint-Étienne. I completed both a bachelor's and a master's degree there over the course of five years. After graduating, I completed several architectural courses at EPFL and Yale University.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

AY : I think I became a designer subconsciously during my childhood. I have always been fascinated by how things work and look. I always paid close attention to small details. By the time I graduated from high school, I knew I wanted to become an architect.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

AY : Nobody pushed me in that direction. I chose my own path. Architecture is, of course, a beautiful and prestigious profession, so my family supported my decision.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

AY : In my studio, we design all kinds of projects, ranging from large-scale buildings to small interior designs. I enjoy them all because they make our days more diverse.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

AY : Although I wouldn't describe myself as a design legend, I would advise young designers that identity is key. They need to find their own path and their own beliefs, and stand by them even in the toughest moments. Only then do they have a chance to become experts in their field.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

AY : In my opinion, a good designer is someone who has a significant impact on their local community. One that change the status quo and introduce a new way of thinking. A great designer is the inspiration behind a good designer. One that change the culture and have a global impact.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

AY : A good design is one that makes you think you could do it too.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

AY : I believe that every well-designed product surpasses its basic equivalent in terms of value, not to mention price. Therefore, good design is also an intelligent investment for clients.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

AY : I would really like to design a museum, ideally for an artist or fashion designer. I believe our architecture is perfect for this type of project, as it provides a calm and neutral atmosphere in which art and clothing can really stand out.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

AY : I would love to design a museum. I am fascinated by the rich spaces and emptiness of museums. In my opinion, this is one of the best projects in which an architect can experiment with light.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

AY : I try to tell myself: 'If you thought of this idea, maybe another architect has too. Think again.” I try to find a concept that is not obvious, while maintaining simplicity of thought.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

AY : I have many sources of inspiration, but the strongest remain Tadao Ando, Valerio Olgiati, Peter Zumthor, Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

AY : There are many projects that I like and have learnt from. Peter Zumthor’s thermal baths in Vals, for example, offer a holistic experience that engages both the body and the mind. I also love Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion and Le Corbusier’s Lac Leman House.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

AY : Although I put my heart and soul into my projects, I am also very self-critical. I tend to focus on what I could have done better, so it’s very difficult for me to choose a favourite project.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

AY : I believe that to evolve in the design business, every creative person should have an open mind and be curious. It's important to look at the future, but it's also important to learn from the past. I believe that a good designer does both and acquires a special richness that enables him to improve.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

AY : I can't see myself working in any field other than design. If I hadn’t become an architect, I would probably have either become a fashion designer or a musician. However, I am someone who seeks freedom of expression, so I don’t believe I would be useful anywhere else.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

AY : Design is about thinking of ordinary things in an extraordinary way.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

AY : I am very grateful to some teachers at the architecture school I attended. They lit the spark. They gave me new horizons and showed me that the world of architecture and design is endless, and that there is a place for everyone who truly puts their heart and soul into it.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

AY : Although I don't consider myself a great designer, I am grateful to my clients for sharing the same vision.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

AY : As with any young artist, you need to establish your name. This is particularly challenging in architecture, as your clients are often older, more experienced and wealthier than you. So, when you enter the professional world, you're completely vulnerable, and you have to find a way to survive and convince them of your ideas.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

AY : I think that these days we have so many ways to present a work, and we should use all of them. Of course, each designer has their own approach, so the presentation of a piece of work should depend on its nature.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

AY : We are currently working on a variety of projects, both large and small. Our portfolio is expanding and improving with each new project, and I am confident that this will enable us to distinguish ourselves as a leading practice in the domain of minimalist architecture and design.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

AY : I hope to leave a legacy of buildings that will demonstrate the remarkable intelligence and creativity of humankind.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

AY : Our clients expect the highest level of service from us at every stage of our collaboration, from the initial meeting through to all subsequent communications. This includes the quality of our work, the implementation of the latest technologies and a professional attitude throughout the construction process.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

AY : Design is needed for a better quality of life. Whenever people achieve a better quality of life, they become happier, healthier and more positive. This is how society improves.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

AY : We work on a variety of projects, ranging from small to large. Each project is exciting because it involves creating a whole new world.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

AY : I enjoy working on every project. Although each one is unique, I create a special bond with each project, so I am deeply attached to them all.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

AY : I would love to see people moving towards cleaner, more subtle and sophisticated contemporary designs.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

AY : Considering all the new inventions and the rapid pace of current evolution, I find it very challenging to predict where humanity is heading. I believe that, in general, we are aiming for the next level of human society, but only time will tell.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

AY : The timeframe depends on many factors, especially the type and size of the project. For an architecture/interior project, it generally takes between three and six months for a residential project. Bigger projects can take up to a year, and sometimes even longer.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

AY : I always start in the same way that I did when I began my first architecture school project: with a pencil and lots of paper.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

AY : Less is more.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

AY : I believe that design should set trends, but I also recognise that trends influence design.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

AY : Technology plays a significant role in our working process, especially when it comes to visualising architecture. New things emerge every month, and we try our best to stay up to date and implement the newest technologies to facilitate and speed up the process.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

AY : We have powerful computers because we need them to run heavy 3D software. We do everything in-house, including 2D drawings, 3D modelling, rendering and post-production. We occasionally produce videos as well.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

AY : I work with a rather monochrome colour palette because I believe that the finest colours are those we find in nature. I choose materials depending on the atmosphere I’m aiming for. The same goes for the light, although I tend to believe that it is the most difficult element to master in architecture.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

AY : I want them to ask, 'Have you forgotten about all the installations?' My aim is to achieve the cleanest possible architecture and interior design, making it seem as if there are no installations. This extreme simplicity is truly challenging to achieve.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

AY : I feel joy because it reminds me that I am part of a global creative community. Even though we don't know each other personally, we share the same passion and values.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

AY : My ideal design partner is my wife who is the managing partner of Simple Architecture.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

AY : My teachers at university definitely had the greatest influence on me. I was fortunate enough to have wonderful teachers who were great visionaries and opened my mind to the endless possibilities of architecture.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

AY : Le Corbusier’s – “Vers une architecture” and Peter Zumthor’s “Thinking architecture”

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

AY : I believe that skills are acquired over time. They cannot be learned in an academic context. You have to practise a lot, and you'll eventually get better over time.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

AY : Many modernist architects: Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, Louis Kahn.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

AY : Simple Architecture has won many awards, which we never take for granted. We always push ourselves further; awards motivate us and demonstrate the great responsibility that comes with our work.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

AY : Color – white. Place – home. Food – Italian. Season – fall. Thing – a book. Brand – there are so many, I cannot tell.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

AY : When we designed Villa Bianca, which received the Silver A Design Award, we invited the builder to show him the project so that he would understand what he would have to build. After seeing the design renders, he said, “It’s great! I can’t wait to see the 3D renders with colours and textures once you’ve finished them.” I responded, 'Those are the finished renders, with textures and colours. There won't be any other colours besides white”. He was so shocked, and we all laughed a lot after the meeting.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

AY : A great day can be made by many things: a successful meeting, positive feedback from a client, a new client or good work from my employees. These things motivate me and show me that what we do at Simple Architecture has a greater purpose.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

AY : I have always been fascinated by spaces and their effect on people's lives. It wasn't obvious at the time, but looking back, it is now.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

AY : I always ask myself that question. That is why we design our architecture the way we do. I imagine people being much more intelligent and sophisticated, and having cleaner, better-organised lives. I try to reflect that in my architecture and design.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

AY : I believe that, if they read this interview, they will learn the most important things about me and my designs.